In this Section

Music

Subject:

Music

Contact:

Mrs C Scanlon (teacher)/Mr C Clubb (CTL)

Overview

All students study Music throughout Key Stage 3 for 2 hours per fortnight. At Key Stages 4 and 5, Music is an optional subject which leads to a GCSE or A level qualification. Throughout each Key Stage students are immersed in practical music making through performance and composition as well as learning to listen to, appraise and write about music. Students can choose to learn an instrument in private lessons provided by Music for Life in school, but all students will learn keyboard and singing skills in music lessons.

KS3

Overview

Students are taught in mixed ability classes in Years 7, 8 & 9. The curriculum is based on developing three skill areas which are examined at GCSE and A level; performing, composing, and listening and appraising. Practical music making is core to the Key Stage 3 curriculum and students are taught to develop skills on the keyboard as a vehicle by which to present and engage with their learning. Students will perform as soloists and in groups and write their own music, from song writing to film music. The development of key vocabulary is essential and students will write about music they hear and/or perform. The skills developed during Key Stage 3 are designed to ensure that students are set up to be successful at GCSE and beyond regardless of their previous musical experience.

Curriculum content

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Year 7

Developing Performing Skills

Singing

Solo Keyboard Work

Developing Composing Skills

Song Writing – Anti Bullying

Developing Ensemble Performing Skills

Listening and Appraising

Year 8

Developing Performing Skills

Singing

Solo Keyboard Work

Developing Composing Skills

Song Writing – The Blues

Developing Ensemble Performing Skills

Listening and Appraising

Year 9

Developing Performing Skills

Ensemble Performance

Developing Composing Skills

Working with GCSE composing briefs

Listening and Appraising

Age related milestones

KS4

Overview

Students who opt to take Music at Key Stage 4 will be taught in mixed ability option groups. Students are taught in 5 hours per fortnight and would be expected to spend time outside of lessons developing their performing and composing skills. Students can either sing or play an instrument for the performing element of the course and this is a choice that they make based on their own skills and areas of interest. Students should be able to access the course through skills developed at Key Stage 3 and needn’t have had private music lessons.

We follow the Eduqas GCSE Music specification.

Exam board and course

Eduqas GCSE Music (9-1)

Curriculum content

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Year 10

Course introduction

Mini assessments tasks in performing and composing

Ensemble Performance

AOS 1 – Western Classical Music (set work Mozart)

AOS3 – Film Music

Free Composition

Developing performing skills

Year 11

Composition - Board Set Brief

Performance coursework (ensemble and solo)

AOS 2 – Music for Ensemble

AOS 4 – Popular Music (set work Rainbow)

Performance and composing coursework complete and sent to exam board

Revision and exam preparation

Assessment components

Component 1: Performing

Component 2: Composing

Component 3: Listening & Appraising

What's assessed

A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute duration.

The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble.

One of the pieces performed must link to an area of study of the learner’s choice.

Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes

What’s assessed

Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC.

Learners will choose one brief from a choice of four, each one linked to a different area of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken.
The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief.
Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes

What's assessed

This component is assessed via a listening examination.

Eight questions in total, two on each of the four areas of study.

Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices

Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble

Area of study 3: Film Music

Area of study 4: Popular Music

Two of the eight questions are based on extracts set by Eduqas (Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Rainbow: Since You’ve Been Gone)

Assessment:

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated

30% of qualification

Assessment:

Non-exam assessment:

internally assessed, externally moderated

30% of qualification

Assessment:

Written examination:

1 hour 15 minutes

40% of qualification

Questions

The appraising examination will consist of eight questions, two on each area of study.

During the exam candidates will be expected to:

•Identify musical elements, musical contexts and musical language, and apply this knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar music